Topics

Matthew 28:19 — "Baptize in the Name"

Scripture Interpretation

Whether the Trinitarian baptismal formula ('in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit') reflects Jesus's original words or a later liturgical development, and how it relates to Acts' 'in the name of Jesus' baptisms.

Key scriptures: Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16

Affirms61
Denies3
Nuanced10
Varies1

Catholic (5)

Orthodox (5)

Mainline Protestant (8)

Evangelical (15)

Baptist (Southern Baptist Convention)

Affirms

Believer's baptism; Baptist ordinance; baptism by immersion on confession

Calvary Chapel

Affirms

Great Commission directs baptism of believers in Trinitarian name

Christian & Missionary Alliance

Affirms

Baptism administered in the Trinitarian formula; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Christian Reformed Church in North America

Affirms

Trinitarian baptismal formula; believer's baptism into Father, Son, Spirit

Church of the Nazarene

Affirms

Trinitarian baptismal formula central; Triune God professed in believer baptism

Evangelical Covenant Church

Affirms

Trinitarian baptismal formula affirmed; baptism in name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Evangelical Free Church of America

Affirms

Trinitarian baptismal formula; baptism in the name of the Trinity is essential

IFCA International (Independent Fundamental Churches of America)

Affirms

Trinitarian formula affirmed; Matthew 28:19 is authoritative Great Commission

National Association of Free Will Baptists

Affirms

Trinitarian baptismal formula; baptism in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Non-denominational Evangelical

Affirms

Matthew 28:19 teaches Trinitarian baptism; administered in Father, Son, Holy Spirit

Pentecostal (Assemblies of God)

Affirms

Trinitarian baptismal formula affirmed; 'name' of Father, Son, Holy Spirit

Presbyterian Church in America

Affirms

Trinitarian baptismal formula; baptism in the name of Father, Son, Holy Spirit

Reformed Baptist Churches (1689 London Baptist Confession)

Affirms

Baptism in Trinitarian name; formula central to valid administration

The Wesleyan Church

Affirms

Baptize in the Name; Trinitarian formula affirmed; baptism as means of grace and public commitment

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

Affirms

Baptism in name of Trinity commanded by Christ

Charismatic (5)

Anabaptist (5)

Adventist & Restorationist (5)

Other Protestant (8)

Non-Trinitarian (6)

Latter-day Saint (2)

Unique & Independent (7)

African Independent (4)